You’ve seen him. If you’ve spent any time at all scrolling through college football highlights or, better yet, standing in the sweltering humidity of Jordan-Hare Stadium, you know the tail. The bug-eyes. The strut. We’re talking about Aubie. Not just a guy in a suit, but the Auburn Tigers football mascot who has somehow managed to win more national titles than most entire athletic departments.
People get confused. They hear "War Eagle" and expect a bird, then they see a tiger mascot and wonder if they’ve stumbled into the wrong stadium. Honestly, it’s a fair question. But Aubie isn't just a secondary thought or a generic feline. He is the pulse of the Plains. He’s a ten-time UCA National Champion. Think about that for a second. While some mascots are struggling to stay upright in a heavy head, Aubie is out here winning rings like he’s Tom Brady.
He’s different. Most mascots feel like a corporate marketing project. Aubie feels like that one chaotic friend who is somehow also a world-class gymnast.
The Weird, Sketchy Origins of a Legend
Aubie didn't start as a plush costume. He started on a piece of paper. Specifically, he started in the mind of Phil Neel, a talented artist who created the character for a football program cover in 1959. This wasn't some high-budget branding exercise. It was a drawing of a tiger looking a bit "hard-nosed" but somehow still lovable.
For 21 years, he lived only on paper. He was the face of Auburn football programs, evolving from a grumpy-looking cat to a more modern, playful character. He looked good. Fans loved him. But he wasn't real. Not yet.
Then came 1979. The first time a human actually stepped into an Aubie suit was at the Southeastern Conference basketball tournament. It was a big deal. The transition from 2D to 3D is always risky. Just look at some of those early professional sports mascots that look like sleep paralysis demons. Aubie escaped that fate. He was an instant hit because he captured the specific "mischief" that Neel had drawn for decades.
The costume has changed, sure. The eyes got bigger, the fur got a bit cleaner, and the "personality" became more athletic. But the core remains. When you see the Auburn Tigers football mascot today, you’re looking at a design that’s been refined over 60 years. It’s a legacy.
Why Everyone Asks About the Eagle
Look, we have to talk about the bird. Every visitor to Auburn asks the same thing: "Why is the mascot a Tiger but the yell is War Eagle?" It’s the ultimate trivia trap.
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Basically, the "War Eagle" is a battle cry and a tradition involving a real golden eagle (like Nova or Awe) flying across the stadium. It’s majestic. It’s breathtaking. It’s also not the mascot. Aubie is the mascot. The eagle is the spirit. It’s a dual-threat identity that honestly makes Auburn one of the most unique environments in college sports.
Imagine being a visiting quarterback. You’ve got a massive raptor circling your head, and then you look over at the sidelines and there’s a six-foot tiger doing a handstand while wearing a tuxedo. It’s psychological warfare. Plain and simple.
The 10-Time Champion Status
Let’s get into the weeds on the hardware. Aubie is a Hall of Famer. Literally. He was one of the first three mascots inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame in 2006.
- 1991
- 1994
- 1995
- 1996
- 1999
- 2003
- 2006
- 2012
- 2014
- 2016
That’s a lot of winning.
The Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) National Mascot Championship isn't just a popularity contest. It’s a grind. They judge on characterization, prop usage, and "crowd interaction" skits. Aubie’s secret weapon has always been his ability to convey emotion without saying a word. He’s a silent film actor trapped in a tiger’s body. He can look disappointed, ecstatic, or downright devious just by tilting his head.
The Mystery of the "Aubie Committee"
One of the coolest—and most guarded—traditions at Auburn University is the identity of the person in the suit. It’s top secret. Like, CIA-level secrecy.
There isn't just one Aubie. Usually, there's a small group of students who share the duties. They are chosen through a grueling tryout process that tests their fitness, their creativity, and their ability to "be" the character. You can’t just put on the suit and act like yourself. You have to move like Aubie. You have to walk with that specific, cocky strut.
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If you’re a student and you’re one of the "Friends of Aubie," you can’t tell your roommates. You can’t tell your parents. You spend your Saturdays disappearing into a changing room and emerging as a local celebrity, and nobody knows it's you. The big reveal usually happens at graduation, where the seniors who played the role get to wear Aubie’s "paws" with their cap and gown. It’s a genuine "drop the mic" moment.
How Aubie Interacts With the SEC
The SEC is a brutal neighborhood. You’ve got Big Red in Arkansas (who is basically a giant sentient blob), the Florida Gator, and that terrifying bulldog in Georgia. But Aubie holds his own because he’s a bit of a troll.
He’s known for his props. If Auburn is playing a team with a specific mascot, Aubie will spend weeks building a giant, ridiculous prop to make fun of them. It’s high-effort comedy. He’s been known to use giant vacuums to "suck up" opponents or elaborate magic tricks to make the other team's logo disappear.
It’s this level of commitment that makes him the premier Auburn Tigers football mascot. He doesn't just stand there and wave. He’s an active participant in the game-day experience. He’s checking the pulse of the crowd. When the energy dips in the third quarter, he’s the one jumping on top of the dugout or leading the student section in a choreographed dance that he definitely practiced for ten hours in a gym somewhere.
The Suit Itself: A Technical Marvel
Have you ever thought about how hot it gets in Alabama in September? It’s basically like living inside a steamer trunk. Now, imagine putting on a thick, fur-covered suit and sprinting around for four hours.
The Aubie suit is a masterpiece of engineering, but it’s still a furnace. The performers have to be in incredible shape. They aren't just "mascotting"—they are athletes. Dehydration is a constant threat. But you’ll never see Aubie look tired. He doesn't lean against the wall. He doesn't take his head off in public. That’s the golden rule: the character never breaks.
There’s a specific look to the Auburn Tigers football mascot that is unmistakable. The yellow and burnt orange fur. The wide, slightly crazed eyes. The permanent grin. It’s designed to be visible from the nosebleed seats of the stadium.
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Why He Matters to the Community
Aubie isn't just a football thing. He’s at weddings. He’s at hospital visits. He’s at charity 5Ks. For people in Auburn, he’s a symbol of the "Auburn Family." It sounds cheesy, I know. But when you see a kid’s face light up because a giant tiger just gave them a high-five, you kind of get it.
He represents the best parts of the university: he’s hardworking, he’s a winner, but he doesn't take himself too seriously. In a world where college sports can feel like a cold, hard business, Aubie is a reminder that it’s also supposed to be fun.
What You Should Do Next Time You’re on the Plains
If you’re heading to an Auburn game, don’t just watch the scoreboard. Watch the sidelines.
- Look for the "Strut": Aubie has a specific way of walking that is almost a rhythmic march. It’s his trademark.
- Check the Costumes: He doesn't just stay in his birthday suit. He has a massive wardrobe. Depending on the theme of the game, he might be an astronaut, a chef, or a disco dancer.
- The Tiger Walk: Get there early for the Tiger Walk. This is where the players walk into the stadium through a sea of fans. Aubie is usually right there at the front, setting the tone.
- Watch for the Pranks: If there’s a break in the action, keep your eyes on the opposing team's bench. Aubie might be lurking nearby with a sign or a prop that’s going to make the whole stadium laugh.
The Verdict on the Auburn Tigers Football Mascot
Is he the best mascot in the country? If you ask a Gator fan or a Crimson Tide supporter, they’ll probably say no. But if you look at the track record—the awards, the longevity, the sheer creativity—it’s hard to argue against him.
Aubie is a cultural icon in the South. He’s a bridge between the old-school illustrations of the mid-century and the high-energy, viral-ready performances of today. He’s managed to stay relevant for decades without losing his soul.
So, next time you hear "War Eagle," and you see a tiger running around like he’s had six espressos, just remember: you’re looking at a ten-time national champ. Treat him with some respect. Or don’t—he’ll probably just prank you anyway.
Actionable Steps for Fans and Visitors
If you want to truly experience the legacy of the Auburn Tigers football mascot, here is what you need to do:
- Visit the Aubie Exhibit: If you find yourself on campus, head over to the Auburn University Student Center. They often have displays featuring his trophies and history. It’s a great way to see the evolution of the character up close.
- Follow Him Online: Honestly, Aubie’s social media game is strong. It’s a great way to see his "Friends"’ creativity during the off-season.
- Support the Program: Mascot programs aren't cheap. The travel, the suit maintenance, and the props all cost money. Many fans donate specifically to the Aubie Program to ensure he stays at the top of the UCA rankings.
- Respect the Secret: If you happen to figure out who is in the suit, keep it to yourself. The mystery is 90% of the fun. Let the "Friends of Aubie" have their moment at graduation.
Aubie remains a cornerstone of the Auburn experience because he embodies the spirit of the fans. He’s resilient, he’s a little bit loud, and he’s fiercely loyal to his team. Whether they are winning a BCS Championship or struggling through a rebuilding year, Aubie is there, doing backflips and making people smile. That’s the real job of a mascot, and nobody does it better.
Key takeaway for your next trip to the Plains: Get your camera ready during the second quarter. That’s usually when Aubie debuts his most elaborate prop of the day. If you miss it, you’re missing half the show. Bear in mind that while the eagle provides the chills, Aubie provides the heart. They are a package deal that makes Auburn football what it is today. Don't try to choose between the two—just enjoy the chaos.